Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for presenting displayable content to an audience, comprising the steps of: displaying a staging area on a presentation display connected to a computer and visible to said audience, playing back timecoded media to said audience in a multimedia window hosted in said staging area, and while said timecoded media is being played back, at a predetermined timecode within said timecoded media, retrieving from a database connected to said computer scene information representing a visual state of said staging area, said scene information comprising a data structure for an image window to be hosted in said staging area according to said visual state, said data structure including information for retrieving from a storage source image data to be presented in said image window, information regarding a visual appearance of said image window relative to said staging area, and information regarding a visual appearance of said image data relative to said image window, placing within said staging area said image window for displaying said image data, positioning and sizing said image window relative to said staging area according to said information regarding said visual appearance of said image window, and placing within said image window a depiction of said image data, positioning and sizing said depiction relative to said image window according to said information regarding said visual appearance of said image data, wherein said timecoded media has been transcribed as a text transcript comprising a transcript line, wherein said transcript line has been associated with a playback time within said timecoded media, wherein said visual state has been associated with said transcript line, and wherein said predetermined timecode within said timecoded media is derived from said playback time of said transcript line.
This invention relates to a method for dynamically presenting synchronized visual content alongside timecoded media, such as video or audio, to an audience. The problem addressed is the need to automatically display supplementary images or visual elements in a coordinated manner with the playback of media, enhancing audience engagement and comprehension. The method involves displaying a staging area on a presentation display visible to the audience, where timecoded media is played back in a multimedia window. During playback, at a predetermined timecode within the media, the system retrieves scene information from a database. This scene information defines the visual state of the staging area, including the placement, sizing, and appearance of an image window and the image data displayed within it. The image window is positioned and sized relative to the staging area, while the image data is positioned and sized within the image window according to the retrieved information. The timecode for triggering this display is derived from a text transcript of the media, where specific transcript lines are associated with playback times and corresponding visual states. This ensures precise synchronization between the media content and the supplementary visual elements, improving the presentation experience.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of altering said depiction of said image data according to annotation parameters specified in said data structure.
This invention relates to image processing systems that modify visual depictions of image data based on structured annotations. The technology addresses the challenge of dynamically adjusting how image data is displayed or processed according to predefined parameters stored in a data structure. The core method involves generating a depiction of image data, such as a visual representation or processed output, and then altering this depiction based on annotation parameters specified within the data structure. These parameters may include formatting rules, display settings, or transformation instructions that dictate how the image data should be modified. The data structure acts as a configuration framework, allowing the system to apply consistent or context-specific adjustments to the image depiction. This approach enables flexible and automated customization of image outputs, ensuring that visual representations adhere to specified criteria or user-defined preferences. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring adaptive image processing, such as medical imaging, surveillance systems, or augmented reality, where real-time adjustments to image displays are necessary. By leveraging structured annotations, the system can efficiently apply modifications without manual intervention, improving efficiency and accuracy in image-based workflows.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said annotation parameters comprise data representing visual drawings to be overlaid upon said depiction of said image data.
This invention relates to image processing systems that enhance visual depictions by overlaying annotations. The problem addressed is the need for precise and customizable visual annotations that can be dynamically applied to image data, such as medical scans, engineering diagrams, or other technical visualizations. The invention provides a method for generating and applying annotation parameters that include visual drawings, such as lines, shapes, or symbols, which are overlaid onto the image data. These annotations are designed to highlight specific features, mark regions of interest, or provide contextual information without altering the original image. The system allows users to define the appearance, position, and behavior of these annotations, ensuring they are clearly visible and accurately aligned with the underlying image. The annotations can be adjusted in real-time, supporting interactive applications where visual feedback is critical. This method improves the clarity and usability of image-based data by integrating dynamic, user-defined visual elements that enhance interpretation and analysis. The invention is particularly useful in fields requiring precise visual communication, such as medical imaging, architectural design, and scientific research.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein said annotation parameters comprise data identifying a subset of said image data to be reproduced in said staging area as a secondary image window, and information regarding the visual appearance of said secondary image window relative to said staging area.
This invention relates to image processing systems that allow users to annotate and manipulate image data within a staging area. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and precise control over how annotated image data is displayed, particularly when incorporating secondary image windows within a primary staging area. The invention provides a method for defining annotation parameters that specify both the subset of image data to be reproduced in a secondary image window and the visual appearance of that window relative to the staging area. This includes controlling aspects such as position, size, transparency, and other visual properties of the secondary window to ensure it integrates seamlessly with the primary image display. The method enables users to dynamically adjust these parameters, allowing for customizable and context-aware annotations that enhance workflow efficiency in applications like medical imaging, design software, or document editing. By separating the secondary image window from the main staging area while maintaining precise visual relationships, the invention improves clarity and usability in complex image-based workflows.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said data structure includes a unique identifier, and wherein the step of placing within said staging area said image window for displaying said image data further includes the steps of: attempting to locate within said staging area an existing image window associated with said unique identifier, if an existing image window is located, altering the appearance of said existing image window according to said data structure without retrieving said image data from said storage source, and, if an existing image window is not located, creating a new image window within said staging area, assigning said unique identifier to said image window, and retrieving said image data from said storage source.
This invention relates to a method for managing image windows in a graphical user interface, particularly for efficiently displaying image data from a storage source. The problem addressed is the computational and memory overhead associated with repeatedly retrieving and rendering the same image data when multiple requests for the same image are made. The solution involves a data structure that includes a unique identifier for each image, allowing the system to check for existing image windows in a staging area before retrieving the image data again. When an image window with the same unique identifier is found, the system updates its appearance based on the data structure without re-fetching the image data, reducing redundant operations. If no existing window is found, a new window is created, assigned the unique identifier, and the image data is retrieved from the storage source. This approach optimizes performance by minimizing unnecessary data retrieval and rendering, particularly in applications where the same images are frequently accessed. The staging area acts as a temporary storage for active image windows, ensuring efficient reuse of already-loaded image data.
6. The method of claim 1 , said staging area having an original aspect ratio, said presentation display having a current aspect ratio, and said image window and said depiction of said image data each having an original width and an original height, said data structure further comprising information regarding said original width of said depiction of said image data relative to said original width of said image window, said original height of said depiction of said image data relative to said original height of said image window, and said original aspect ratio of said staging area, wherein the step of placing within said image window a depiction of said image data further comprises comparing said current aspect ratio of said presentation display to said original aspect ratio of said staging area, wherein, if said current aspect ratio of said presentation display is wider than said original aspect ratio, said depiction is sized and positioned within said image window according to said original height of said depiction relative to said original height of said image window, and wherein, if said current aspect ratio of said presentation display is narrower than said original aspect ratio, said depiction is sized and positioned within said image window according to said original width of said depiction relative to said original width of said image window.
This invention relates to image display systems that adapt image presentations to different aspect ratios while maintaining proportional scaling. The problem addressed is ensuring consistent image depiction across displays with varying aspect ratios, such as when transitioning from a staging area (e.g., a design workspace) to a presentation display (e.g., a projector or monitor). The system uses a data structure that stores the original width and height of an image window and its contained image data, along with their relative proportions. When displaying the image on a presentation display with a different aspect ratio, the system compares the current display aspect ratio to the original staging area aspect ratio. If the display is wider, the image is scaled and positioned based on the original height ratio between the image and the window. If the display is narrower, scaling and positioning are based on the original width ratio. This ensures the image fits the display while preserving its intended proportions relative to the original window dimensions. The approach avoids distortion or excessive cropping by dynamically adjusting scaling based on aspect ratio differences.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said data structure further includes information regarding the visual appearance of a transcript window relative to said staging area, and further comprising the steps of, while said timecoded media is being played back, at said predetermined timecode within said timecoded media, placing within said staging area said transcript window, positioning and sizing said transcript window relative to said staging area according to said information regarding the visual appearance of said transcript window, and displaying within said transcript window a depiction of said transcript line.
This invention relates to systems for displaying synchronized transcript windows during playback of timecoded media, such as video or audio files. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically present transcript text in a visually integrated manner that enhances user experience without disrupting media playback. The invention improves upon prior systems by incorporating detailed visual appearance information for transcript windows, ensuring precise positioning, sizing, and display timing relative to a staging area where the media is presented. The method involves a data structure that stores not only the transcript text but also metadata defining the visual properties of the transcript window, including its position, dimensions, and timing relative to the staging area. During media playback, when the playback reaches a predetermined timecode, the system automatically places the transcript window within the staging area, adjusts its position and size according to the stored visual appearance data, and displays the corresponding transcript line within the window. This ensures that the transcript text appears seamlessly and contextually relevant to the media content, improving readability and user engagement. The solution is particularly useful in applications like video editing, language learning, or accessibility tools where synchronized transcript display is critical.
8. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing program instructions for causing a computer to perform the method of: displaying a staging area on a presentation display connected to a computer and visible to an audience, playing back timecoded media to said audience, and while said timecoded media is being played back, at a predetermined timecode within said timecoded media, retrieving from a database connected to said computer scene information representing a visual state of said staging area, said scene information comprising a data structure for an image window to be hosted in said staging area according to said visual state, said data structure including information for retrieving from a storage source image data to be presented in said image window, information regarding a visual appearance of said image window relative to said staging area, and information regarding a visual appearance of said image data relative to said image window, placing within said staging area said image window for displaying said image data, positioning and sizing said image window relative to said staging area according to said information regarding said visual appearance of said image window, and placing within said image window a depiction of said image data, positioning and sizing said depiction relative to said image window according to said information regarding said visual appearance of said image data, wherein said timecoded media has been transcribed as a text transcript comprising a transcript line, wherein said transcript line has been associated with a playback timecode within said timecoded media, wherein said visual state has been associated with said transcript line, and wherein said timecode within said timecoded media is derived from said playback timecode associated with said transcript line.
This invention relates to a system for synchronizing visual elements with timecoded media playback, such as video or audio presentations, to enhance audience engagement. The system addresses the challenge of dynamically integrating supplementary visual content, like images or graphics, into a presentation at precise moments without manual intervention. The solution involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions to display a staging area visible to an audience, play back timecoded media, and automatically retrieve scene information from a database at a predetermined timecode. The scene information defines the visual state of the staging area, including the placement, sizing, and appearance of an image window and the image data displayed within it. The system ensures seamless integration by associating the timecode with a transcript line of the media's text transcript, which is linked to the scene information. This allows the visual elements to appear at the exact moment they are relevant to the media content, improving presentation coherence and audience comprehension. The invention automates the synchronization process, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistency in live or recorded presentations.
9. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8 , wherein said data structure further includes information regarding a visual appearance of a transcript window relative to said staging area, said method further comprising the steps of, while said timecoded media is being played back, at said predetermined timecode within said timecoded media, placing within said staging area said transcript window, positioning and sizing said transcript window relative to said staging area according to said information regarding said visual appearance of said transcript window, and displaying within said transcript window a depiction of said transcript line.
This invention relates to systems for displaying synchronized transcript data alongside timecoded media, such as video or audio files. The problem addressed is the need to present transcript information in a visually integrated and contextually relevant manner during media playback. The invention involves a data structure that stores transcript lines associated with specific timecodes in the media. The data structure also includes metadata defining the visual appearance of a transcript window, including its position, size, and placement relative to a staging area where the media is displayed. During playback, when the media reaches a predetermined timecode, the system automatically places the transcript window within the staging area, adjusts its position and size according to the stored visual appearance information, and displays the corresponding transcript line within the window. This ensures that transcript data is presented in a visually coherent and dynamically adjusted manner, enhancing user experience by maintaining spatial and temporal alignment between the media content and its transcript. The invention improves upon prior systems by providing configurable visual integration of transcript data, allowing for customizable display layouts that adapt to different media playback scenarios.
Unknown
January 5, 2021
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